About the Book

Coney Island became a resort after the Civil War. At the beginning of the 20th century it changed from a resort to an accessible location for city dwellers to escape thesummer heat in New York City.

Many attempts have been made to develop the park into a housing and shopping complex. The current park: Astroland and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park have been closed as of the winter 2009. With threats of overdevelopment looming once again, the city is attempting to buy portions of the park; including the Wonder Wheel.

Hopefully the city will save the park again from overdevelopment and preserve the long history and character of Coney Island as an entertainment destination on the boardwalk—just a train ride away!